Visit Pensacola Set to Celebrate the Future of Travel During Annual National Travel & Tourism Week May 1-7

Pensacola, Fla. – National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the critical role that travel will play in driving economic growth and building the path forward through the theme Future of Travel.

This year’s celebration will highlight industry workers and businesses that have gone above and beyond in the industry and the Pensacola Bay area community, along with sharing the impacts of tourism in Escambia County.

“We’ve had a strong year as a destination despite the lingering effects from the pandemic, staffing shortages, inflation, and now a global conflict,” President and CEO Darien Schaefer said. “This week especially is a time to celebrate the local hospitality and tourism industry along with the impacts of tourism. I’m looking forward to sharing in that and sharing an outlook on the future of travel in our strategic planning initiative, ReVisit Pensacola.”

To celebrate hospitality and tourism workers, Visit Pensacola would like to invite the community and the industry to nominate a Hospitality Hero and to attend the following events throughout the week to celebrate.

Monday, May 2: Hospitality Olympics

Where: Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium

Visit Pensacola will kick off the week with the Hospitality Olympics. The Hospitality Olympics is a time for industry personnel to come together in a fun environment to celebrate and get to know one another better. Set to take place from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. with lunch to follow at Blue Wahoos Stadium, teams will compete in several games for the Hospitality Olympics Cup.

Tuesday, May 3: ReVisit Pensacola Summit

Where: Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach

Join Visit Pensacola for an update on strategic planning and the future of travel in Pensacola. Hear from Visit Pensacola’s President and CEO Darien Schaefer along with other industry experts. The summit will be held at the Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach from 9-11 a.m.

Wednesday, May 4: Hospitality Hero Award Ceremony & Luncheon

Where: Bayview Community Center

Visit Pensacola will host its annual Hospitality Hero awards during the week’s annual luncheon. Hospitality Hero awards are dedicated to team members that go above and beyond to create a great experience and welcome guests in the community. Nominations are now open and will be accepted through Friday, April 22, 2022. Categories include attractions/venues, lodging, restaurant/dining, transportation, and shopping. To view the nomination form, click here. To register for the luncheon, click here. Deadline to register for the luncheon is Monday, April 25.

Thursday, May 5: Tourism Gives Back – Community Cleanup at Jones Creek

Tourism Gives Back is a day for the industry and community to come together to care for the destination we know and love. This year, Visit Pensacola has partnered with Keep Pensacola Beautiful, Pensacola and Perdido Bay Estuary Program, and Clean Horizons to host a cleanup at Jones Creek located at 900 S Old Corry Field Road from 9 – 11 a.m. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt and lunch on the day of the event. Those wanting to participate need to register by April 28. Register here.

Friday, May 6: Visitor Information Center Open Houses

Join Visit Pensacola Friday at the Visitor Information Centers for treats and an inside look at day-to-day operations. New Insider Guides will be available to take home.

Pensacola Visitor Information Center: 1401 E Gregory Street, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Perdido Key Visitor Information Center: 15500 Perdido Key Drive, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pensacola Beach Visitor Information Center: 7 Casino Beach Drive, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.


All events are public and open to the media. Please email Nicole Stacey with any questions at nstacey@visitpensacola.com. For more information on National Travel and Tourism Week and other events, visit www.visitpensacola.com/who-we-are/national-travel-tourism-week/.